Getting to Know JDR
Launched in July 2008, American Golfer is a site dedicated to providing valuable information for the traveling golfer.
MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (Front Nine Tour)
I had a dream last night. Well, I’m pretty sure it was a dream… Here’s the gist: Alister MacKenzie is not dead. He’s been hiding away in a Tibetan monastery since 1934, the date of what we had presumed to be his death. So deep and powerful has been his inward reflection all these years, […]
MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (The Big Finish)
Having nearly completed the back nine tour, MacKenzie was regaining his humor, at least somewhat, and seemed to be tiring a bit as they finished at #16. To #17 now, where MacKenzie spouted, “That wonderfully formed pine is gone, I assume you had it removed at some point, Mr. Payne?” “Absolutely not, sir. That tree […]
MacKenzie Meets Augusta One Last Time (Back Nine Tour)
When we last paused, Dr. MacKenzie was on his way to the 10th tee. The spirit amongst the group was strained at best as the architect’s criticisms continued to mount. As the group shuffled down the hill from the tee, MacKenzie referred to the relocated green and uttered, “Now this looks more like Maxwell!” Indeed, […]
Does Size Really Matter?
Maybe the title got your attention … Just talking golf holes here – mainly the short-ish ones… especially the 4’s under 340 yards and the 3’s under 120 yards. And when I think of some of the best I’ve played… and a few that I’ve designed… it’s these shorter ones that always seem to be […]
Lake Zurich A Brand of Golf All Its Own
I’ve certainly enjoyed my share of “perks” while working in the golf industry. And while work often supersedes many of the opportunities presented, once in a while I get to take in some really unique golfing experiences. One such opportunity came about this past season when I was invited to visit Lake Zurich Golf Club […]
My Daily Journal from England – Day 10
I’ll be the first to say, ten days is a long trip. I’m weary and anxious to return home. But this has been an absolutely magnificent journey – a once in a lifetime type of experience for me. Ten courses in as many days… and they’re starting to all run together a bit! Today, our […]
My Daily Journal from England – Final Thoughts
I’m fresh off one of the greatest golf tours in my life… the Heath & Links Tour of England. For those who tracked my daily journal entries, hopefully you gained some sense of what we were exposed to over those ten days. And for those who did not – or simply want to gain a […]
My Daily Journal from England – Day 9
This tour was all about "Heath & Links” and I’ll say we certainly followed through accordingly! Yesterday we saw two more links (Royal North Devon and Burnham and Berrow), but we’re now back again in the heathlands of Surrey for the final stretch. This morning we visited Woking Golf Club, designed by Tom Dunn (1893). […]
My Daily Journal from England – Day 8
It’s Sunday… a proper day to rest from golf after six straight rounds in as many days. Well… I mean from playing golf, that is. Today was meant as a relaxing day, but also a time to roam about the Southwest of England and see a few courses that we otherwise lacked time (and energy) […]
My Daily Journal from England – Day 7
Away again from London… and a brief respite from heathland golf. Now off to Cornwall and the seaside town of Rock on the southwest coast, via Stonehenge early this morning. Destination: St. Enodoc Golf Club. This one is not on everyone’s radar, but it certainly should be…it’s a legitimate Top 100 Course and here’s why. […]
My Daily Journal from England – Day 6
The end of one tour marks the beginning of another. Today, I paired up with fellow architect Richard Mandell and we set off on our own “extended tour” of golf courses in England… beginning at none other than Walton Heath, a return to the heathland courses near London. Herbert Fowler designed two courses here, beginning […]